Glass Houses: Elevated Gem in Osprey, Fla.
This modern home's elevated rectangular structure captures water views of both the Gulf of Mexico and Little Sarasota Bay.
From:
Luxury Portfolio
Elevated Glass House in Osprey, Fla.: Home Exterior at Night
West Wind, the awe-inspiring residence by architect Toshiko Mori, former architecture department chair at Harvard, is situated on north Casey Key, an eight-mile island with fewer than 400 single family homes, just south of Sarasota, Fla.
Elevated Home
This incredible contemporary glass dwelling is a rectangular structure elevated on pilings to capture water views of both the Gulf of Mexico and Little Sarasota Bay.
Grounds and Exterior
The expansive grounds of this gorgeous contemporary home include botanical gardens with some 60 plus varieties of palms, native plants and fruit trees; a secluded pool and pavilion; and breathtaking views of both the Gulf of Mexico and Little Sarasota Bay.
Prism Staircase
The incredible dichroic glass prism above the entry staircase casts a spectrum of colors across the center of the house that reflects off the partial glass floor.
Central Atrium
The dramatic entry staircase at the ground level is located beneath a central atrium, with a partial glass floor above to bring in natural light. Architect James Carpenter designed a dichroic glass prism that diffuses daylight from clerestory windows into a spectrum of colors that shift with the viewing angle.
Living Room
The tongue-in-cheek whimsy of the bright floor rug makes an energetic splash in the open concept living area. High ceilings and the bank of windows bring the home's breathtaking setting flooding in.
An Industrial Look
The open concept plan and contemporary design of the living room create an industrial — yet also light and airy — feel. Across the broad expanse of floor, small groupings of furniture make intimate conversation areas.
Sitting Area
Floor-to-ceiling windows and clean-lined contemporary furnishings let the stunning ocean views be the main attraction in this sitting area. Open the glass door and step out onto the wide balcony to kick back with a favorite book or cocktail.
Kitchen
Stainless steel cabinets and a pale, neutral palette help diffuse the natural light pouring in the floor-to-ceiling windows of the chic, streamlined kitchen. Pendant lights suspended by thin wires seem to hover magically in the center of the space.
Dining Room
With no frills but plenty of style, this contemporary dining room comfortably entertains large dinner parties while offering up red carpet-worthy waterfront views.
